Nipah Virus: Molecular Biology, Cellular Pathogenesis, Microbiological Features, and Epidemiological Perspectives

David Aphkhazava; Manana Makharadze; Mzia Tsiklauri; Archil Chirakadze; Nodar Sulashvili; Lolita Shengelia; Vellangulam Sai Sumedh; Fareeha Aziz Mengal; Tamar Okropiridze

Authors

David Aphkhazava PhD, Full Professor of Biochemistry at Alte university, Tbilisi, Georgia; Invited Lecturer (Professor) of Biochemistry, University of Georgia, Tbilisi Georgia, Full professor of Biochemistry Georgian National University SEU, Tbilisi Georgia, Invited Lecturer (Professor) of Biophysics and Microbiology, Georgian Technical University, Tbilisi, Georgia. Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6216-6477
Manana Makharadze Prof. David Agmashenebeli University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Mzia Tsiklauri PhD, Professor of Grigol Robakidze University, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Archil Chirakadze PhD, Georgian Techical University, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
Nodar Sulashvili MD, PhD, Doctor of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences In Medicine, Invited Lecturer (Professor) of Scientific Research-Skills Center at Tbilisi State Medical University; Professor of Medical and Clinical Pharmacology of International School of Medicine at Alte University; Professor of Pharmacology of Faculty of Medicine at Georgian National University SEU, Associate Affiliated Professor of Medical Pharmacology of Faculty of Medicine at Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University; Associate Professor of Medical Pharmacology at School of Medicine at David Aghmashenebeli University of Georgia; Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Pharmacology Direction of School of Health Sciences at the University of Georgia. Associate Professor of Pharmacology of Faculty of Dentistry and Pharmacy at Tbilisi Humanitarian Teaching University; Tbilisi, Georgia; Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9005-8577.
Lolita Shengelia PhD, Invited lecturer of Georgian National University, Tbilisi, Georgia; Invited lecturer of Georgian American University, Tbilisi, Georgia
Vellangulam Sai Sumedh MD, Grigol Robakidze University, Tbilisi, Georgia
Fareeha Aziz Mengal MD, University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
Tamar Okropiridze Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor at Alte University, Tbilisi, Georgia

Keywords:

Nipah virus, Henipavirus, molecular biology, cell biology, viral pathogenesis, microbiology, zoonosis, epidemiology, emerging infectious diseases, bat-borne viruses

Abstract

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic paramyxovirus that poses a significant threat to global public health due to its high case fatality rate, broad host range, and potential for human-to-human transmission. Since its first identification in 1998–1999, recurrent outbreaks have been reported primarily in South and Southeast Asia, highlighting its capacity for regional persistence and epidemic emergence. This review provides a comprehensive overview of Nipah virus from molecular biology, cell biology, and microbiological perspectives, integrating these insights with current epidemiological knowledge. We discuss the genomic organization, structural proteins, and replication strategy of NiV, emphasizing virus–host interactions at the cellular level, including receptor usage, cell entry mechanisms, immune evasion, and cytopathogenesis. Microbiological characteristics such as viral stability, transmission routes, and host tropism are also examined. In parallel, the epidemiology of Nipah virus is reviewed, including its natural reservoir in Pteropus fruit bats, modes of spillover to humans, outbreak patterns, and socio-environmental drivers of transmission. Finally, the review highlights current challenges in surveillance, diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine development, underscoring the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and controlling Nipah virus disease.

Nipah Virus: Molecular Biology, Cellular Pathogenesis, Microbiological Features, and Epidemiological Perspectives

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